BBC America attempts Top Gear… again

BBC America has ordered its own US version of hit UK motoring show Top Gear, according to the Hollywood Reporter. It marks the third such attempt to try and make the show work in the US.

Eight episodes of what will be entitled Top Gear America will be fronted by Hollywood actor William Fichtner, whose credits include Prison Break, The Dark Knight and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He’ll be joined by drag racer Antron Brown and journalist/presenter Tom Ford.

“We are big fans of the mix of cars, credibility and charisma that adds up to the winning formula for Top Gear, and couldn’t be happier that BBCA is now the home for the franchise in the US, with Top Gear America joining the original show on our network,” said the network’s president, Sarah Barnett. “Bill, Antron and Wookie are serious gear heads who never take themselves too seriously. It will be quite the trip.”